​​STUDY WILL LOOK FOR BEST WAYS TO UPGRADE THE VITAL NEWELL HIGHWAY TRANSPORT LINK​

​​Tuesday, 14 August 2018​

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today welcomed the announcement of $2 million in funding for a study into the most effective way to upgrade the Newell Highway.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has announced the funding of the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy.

Ms Cooke said: “The Newell Highway is a main artery running through the Cootamundra electorate and provides vital transport links to countless businesses and travellers here.

“It is a hugely important road and I’m so pleased that its significance is recognised by our Federal counterparts and in particular by Mr McCormack, who is as much a product of this wonderful part of NSW as I am.

“The NSW Government has committed $62 million for improvements to the Newell Highway in this year’s State Budget which demonstrates our commitment to this important transport link,” she added.

Mr McCormack echoed Ms Cooke’s sentiments, pointing out the opportunities to integrate the Newell Highway with the Inland Rail project.

“The Newell Highway is the longest highway in New South Wales, and provides a major freight and passenger transport connection to Victoria and Queensland,” Mr McCormack said.

“Partnering with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, we want to work with communities along the Newell to see how we can ensure it continues to be the lifeblood of the region, as well as ensuring those who use it can get home sooner and safer.

“The Australian Government is investing $9.3 billion for the delivery of the Inland Rail project and this study will investigate opportunities to better integrate Newell Highway and rail operations.”